Testimonials

"DS Counselling has been an amazing place for the Level 4 diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. Debbie and Sharon provided me with a professional, safe and supportive environment that I needed in order to grow and develop both personally and as a counsellor, with them believing in me every step of the way, even when I started to doubt myself. They care about every student individually and want us all to succeed and reach our full potential. Each lesson is filled with knowledge, passion and warmth which creates an exceptional learning environment."

M.Gaskin 2023-25

"I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to learn on this course. Debbie and Sharon are excellent tutors, sharing their experience and knowledge with us in a supportive and caring environment. I would recommend DS Counselling Training to anyone as you couldn’t ask for a better team to support you in the journey to becoming a counsellor." M.Pantaney 2023-25

"Amazing support and encouragement from very experienced tutors, what a personnel journey!"

A Dixon 2023-25 "

"This is a great course for preparing you to feel confident to work as a counsellor. The tutors are knowledgeable, professional, supportive, encouraging and kind. The work is presented in a structured way which makes it feel manageable to achieve the criteria. I would highly recommend training with DS Counselling."

D. Frake 2023-25

"I have found the course challenging yet incredibly rewarding, it is like no other learning I have ever done. I have come away with a great grounding in personal centred work, and the skills to do this ethically, safely and with confidence. In the process I have learned a huge amount about myself and been encouraged outside of my comfort zone by an incredible group of peers and tutors. I have surprised myself endlessly with what I have been able to achieve in the right, supportive environment. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending DS Counselling to anyone considering a Diploma".

C.Greenaway 2023-25

"The tutors are exceptional—deeply supportive, incredibly approachable, and consistently go above and beyond to ensure their students succeed. Their passion for the work and dedication to our learning has been evident throughout, creating a safe, professional, and encouraging learning environment. DS Counselling Training is a well-run and highly professional college that I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone considering a career in counselling. I’m already looking forward to returning in the future to continue my development through their CPD courses."

R.Homewood 2023-25

"This has been a journey of a lifetime for me.  Learning from you and trusting in you and the process has been life enhancing.  This has not only helped me enormously with my own personal growth and in re-writing my script, but I can feel that it is benefiting my relationships with my clients also.  Thank you DS Counselling."

C. Moore 2023-25

"DS Counselling has far exceeded my expectations.  Going back to studying again felt very daunting, it brought with it major self doubt, but it was quite soon after that I realised that I only needed to trust the process, as the tutors reminded us and I can only say that it all fell into place from there.  The Tutors were so supportive and easy to be around, I felt that they really guided us well and because it was such an organised course, it made the experience less stressful.  I have grown and learned so much about myself throughout the course.  The venue had good parking and was very comfortable.  I also was able to grow in confidence working with clients.  I will miss the Tutors dearly.  For anyone looking to embark on their career in counselling, then you will be in safe hands with DS Counselling."

S. Katewu 2023-25

This is a professionally-delivered, well designed and comprehensive course which achieves what DS Counselling Training advertise.

I felt supported and appropriately challenged throughout me development as a counsellor in training, confident in the experience, knowledge and values of the tutors. I am proud to graduate from this learning provider, their name is recognised for good reasons".

L. McLean 2022-24

“I knew from the interview, meeting Debbie and Sharon for the first time, that DS Counselling was the right training provider for me, and this was absolutely the case. Not only do they provide outstanding tutoring, leading me to be the best counsellor I could be at this early stage of my career, their reputation in the area for developing strong counsellors has made getting placements far easier. Expect to be challenged, and know that you will reap the rewards from it.”

N. Dimech 2022-24

" I greatly enjoyed studying with DS Counselling and found it to be a nurturing and supportive environment in which to learn. The tutors value each student as an individual and encourage everyone to reach their full potential."

L.Bloomfield 2022-24

"I have really enjoyed my time with D S Counselling. I’ve learned so much, both personally and professionally and will carry this knowledge and experience into my own practice in the future. The course has been delivered with warmth, professionalism, and real care. Sharon’s calm, grounded presence and love of metaphor brought depth and reflection to the learning space, while Debbie’s passion and engaging examples from practice brought the theory to life. Together, they created a safe, balanced, and inspiring learning environment."

E. Marshall 2023-25

"A wonderful opportunity to learn and grow both as a counsellor and as a person"

R. Feige 2023-25

"I am so grateful that I studied Level 4 with DS.The tutors’ knowledge and experience allowed the whole course to run smoothly, and their attitude maintained an excellent atmosphere between the students.  We were taught with kindness and encouragement.  Trust the process was so true.  I felt the tutors were part of our team rather than just the tutors.  I feel my training has been first class and I can pursue my client work confident in the knowledge that I have a great foundation to build upon.  It has been a life-changing experience for me. 

Annie Smith 2023-25

DS have been an excellent level 4 provider, the tutors are full of knowledge and learning opportunities. I have felt safe and supported throughout the 2 year course and feel like I have received a broad and excellent education. The workload is clear and accessible and there is always support on hand. We are also encouraged to support our peers and this has resulted in an inclusive and happy place to learn. I would highly recommend DS counselling."

E. Silcox 2023-25

"For anyone considering completing a counselling training course, I can only encourage you to ‘take the bull by the horns’ and go for it with DS Counselling.  I am an older student, re-training for the second time in my adult life.  The support and encouragement I have had during the course has been amazing.  From the tutors to my peer group, there is always someone available to offer a listening ear and to help put me on the right path. Not only have I learned a new skill (one that will take me through into retirement and beyond), but I have learned to recognise and accept myself for who I am and for the value that I have. I feel I now have more emotional understanding and can support my clients, friends and family as they go through their own challenging times.This is not an easy qualification to achieve, but it is most certainly one of the most valuable and enjoyable things I have ever done. Go on...Give it a go! You won't regret it.

D.Read 2023-25

" The DS Counselling Level 4 course is excellent. I found it a safe and stimulating place to further my journey towards being a counsellor. The academic aspects of the course were delivered expertly and were always interesting. We were given a lot of support with achieving all the required criteria in an efficient way and with the least possilbe anxiety. The tutors facilitated a warm, trusting and supportive dynamic in the group, which has made our experience very special."

S. Moore 2023-25

DS is an excellent training provider. The Teaching is exceptional and i feel that it has given me a very thorough understanding and  knowledge of Person Centred Counselling"

P. Dimmock 2022-24

“ I would thoroughly recommend the CPCAB Level 4 course with DS Counselling Training. The training on offer is outstanding in terms of the course content, delivery, student support and care provided by the team.”

C. McGrath 2022-24

"DS Counselling Training have provided me with a comprehensive learning experience, the tutors are supportive, and their knowledge and experience have enhanced the experience. They are great training providers that ensure they produce highly ethical knowledgeable counsellors. I would highly recommend training with them."

J. Braithwaite 2022-24

The teaching and course material provided were very supportive and challenging, which helped me grow personally and professionally as a trainee counsellor. Debbie and Sharon are excellent at teaching and their passion for person-centered counselling is evident in their teaching style, making the lessons both engaging and enjoyable. Working with my peers has been a great experience, and I have learned invaluable skills that I can use in my future career".

J. Hillman 2021-23

"Debbie and Sharon are both informative, educationally stimulating, provoke debate, thoughtfulness and self reflection and provide a great mix of listening, speaking and practical learning activities in a very safe, supportive learning environment that supports ongoing self awareness and personal development. They are both experts in what they provide and as a student you feel challenged to learn and try out new competencies whilst feeling safe and supported in doing so. 

They both show care, compassion, patience and commitment which are fantastic qualities to have in a learning environment and provide you with invaluable feedback that helps you to continuously improve and learn and to gain confidence in your own ability to progress to a successful conclusion."

S. Walker 2021-23

"DS Counselling are a strong team with the perfect amount of Ying and Yang to suit any student willing to put in the effort to learn. DS Counselling gave me the opportunity to create my dream, great moments to work at building my dream, and the chance to live my dream, not just dream it."

V. Nobes 2020-22

"By choosing DS for the next step on my path to become a qualified counsellor, I have had the privilege to be taught, mentored and encouraged by two exceptional people, Debbie and Sharon. Their expertise and dedication to delivering high quality training to their students, especially through the uncertain and testing time of the COVID pandemic is testimony to their commitment to equipping their students with a sound grounding to go on to deliver effective and ethical counselling throughout their careers. Thank you for all your support."

S. Collison 2020-22

"You can stop scrolling now. This is where you should learn to become a counsellor.."

Z. Burgon 2020-22

"Thank you for believing in me and helping me to believe in myself. This course prepared me to be the person I have always wanted to be".

C. LeHegarat. 2017-19

"Debbie and Sharon are exceptional tutors, with a vast amount of knowledge and experience that they gently bestow upon their students. They are always supportive and encouraging, helping students to build an exceptionally strong foundation on which to build their own knowledge and achievements. They are experts in quelling any anxieties, and their belief in you builds your confidence to the point of true self-belief. They are an inspirational pair whose dynamics promise a rich, fun and lively experience. I highly recommend them!"

G. Ochman 2016-18

"I am convinced you teach us, setting the bar higher than may be expected and if I'm right - thank you. I feel so lucky to have been taught by you, as I feel we have had one of the best foundations. I am aware of how I have grown and that is because you have always been congruent with me and 'us' the group".

M. Swingler 2015-17

"These two ladies are not only great tutors that are bursting with knowledge and teach to a high, professional standard but are also respectful and allow you as a person to grow in a safe and welcoming environment. (Important notes to future students - work is handed back promptly marked so as you know where you are, Debbie and Sharon are approachable, always willing to help with anything you may need and very supportive around exam time). I will certainly be attending workshops with them in the future as part of my ongoing CPD." 

L Setterfield 2014-16

"Can't really say what its meant to me - BIG-Thanks, love, warm wishes, all too small"

J.Sedge 2014-16

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"This has been an incredible 2-year journey with DS, and I’m proud to have been part of the current level 4 cohort and to say that I am a DS student.

However, with the support of the tutors and my peers I’ve come to the end of my level 4 journey. It felt quite daunting to start with as my levels 2 & 3 were with a different provider and I didn’t know anyone. Part of this was self-doubt and wondering if I would be good enough, however I realised that the tutors saw the potential and had chosen me and this had such a positive impact.  I’m so glad I stayed.
This journey has been amazing. There have been times when it’s felt like a roller coaster however the tutors have been an amazing support, and true to their word walked with me for the 2 years, and the reminder of ‘trust the process’ from the tutors helped me to focus that the process does indeed work, and I am at the end now with almost everything signed off.
The tutors skilfully guided me through the 2 years in terms of learning, and I feel that the organised way of delivering the course made it easier for me to navigate the criteria and achieve them. 
I feel that during the course I have grown and learned so much but also found some hidden creative skills I didn't know I had, all this achieved in a safe, supportive, nurturing environment.
I am going to miss the group, tutors and even I dare say it the work, but I know I have had an amazing journey and feel well equipped to start my counselling career. 
I will always feel part of the DS family, and would thoroughly recommend DS level 4 to anyone looking to study at this level with Person Centered modality."

T. Appleton 23-25

"I highly recommend DS Counselling Training if you are looking for a very high standard of training. The course is well organised and robust in its delivery of education. Debbie and Sharon set a very high standard, and I feel like I have accomplished so much more personally and professionally because of their dedication to me and the profession."

L. Rous 2023-25

Im grateful for the encouragement and guidance from the tutors, who have inspired me to develop greater self-awareness and confidence. I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking to make a positive change in their life and to become a more reflective, compassionate individual."

J. Mattede 2023-25

"i have really enjoyed my time with D S Counselling. I’ve learned so much, both personally and professionally and will carry this knowledge and experience into my own practice in the future. The course has been delivered with warmth, professionalism, and real care. Sharon’s calm, grounded presence and love of metaphor brought depth and reflection to the learning space, while Debbie’s passion and engaging examples from practice brought the theory to life. Together, they created a safe, balanced, and inspiring learning environment."

L. Latham 2023-25

"An experience I will never forget. Comprehensive and challenging learning within an environment that enables reflection and growth. So grateful to the tutors for their support and encouragement. Feeling well equipped and 'ready' to qualify."

C. Peachey 2022-24

" I have found the course to be delivered professionally, with knowledgeable and passionate tutors that care about what they do. I felt support from tutors throughout the course which has been amazing to be a part of. I feel that it has been a positive life changing experience."

C.Gray 2022-24

"The DS Counselling tutors are excellent. They have a have a wealth knowledge and experience in counselling, supervision and teaching, and understand exactly what it takes to make the grade for the CPCAB L4 Diploma. They will push you gently but firmly beyond what you thought was possible."

T. Brownbridge 2022-24 

"This is an excellent training course, delivered by 2 experienced and professional Tutors. They are knowledgeable, skilled and passionate counsellors, and I felt inspired to be the best possible counsellor I could be. The course is demanding of you personally, but you’ll receive the support you need from the Tutors and from your peers. It’s not easy but it can be life-changing. I would recommend this course to anyone who’s looking for robust, high quality training."

E. Boon 2021-23

"Debbie and Sharon have a vast wealth of knowledge and experience and impart it to their students with warmth, humour and a genuine passion. They are supportive and encouraging tutors, and I cannot recommend them highly enough!"

A. Harman 2021-23

"This course was delivered to a very high standard and was absolutely worth the time and money invested in it. The group were encouraged to bond well, and the work was evenly distributed throughout the course. The tutors were knowledgeable and helpful and gave thorough feedback to aid progression. I never thought I'd be sad to get to the end of a two year course, but I will really miss the supportive and friendly envoronment that Debbie and Sharon create."

M. Simpson 2020 - 22

Debbie and Sharon deliver this course with passion and support to a very high standard."

S. Dixon 2020-22

"I have hit all of my personal goals, come out of my shell and gained the confidence to achieve my placement hours, pass my final assessment and understand core theory to a level I never would have thought imaginable. Without Debbie and Sharon’s insight, knowledge, and high level for all their students whilst having fun, I would never be where I am today, I think anyone who trains with Debbie and Sharon are lucky and I encourage everybody to sign up with them and be the best you can be, because by the end of 2 years, you will be. Two amazing tutors who I will always be grateful to for seeing something in me that I couldn’t and showing me how rewarding counselling can be. Thank you."

J. Hare 2020-22

"I believe anyone thinking of training with Debbie & Sharon would experience an excellent course with high standards and expectations from both themselves and students. I can honestly say I have had the best training, support and experience with them. I wouldn't be the counsellor I am today without their support and encouragement. It's been hard work but worth it. Thank you!"

D. Dodson 2020-22

"The diversity of the tutors and the course content has been vital towards my learning. Debbie and Sharon have been nothing other than supportive and I felt that they were on our Diploma journey with us. My thanks to both of you."

C. Bush 2017-19

" I feel proud that Debbie and Sharon were my tutors and I would have no hesitation in recommending anyone onto one of their courses"

B. Starkey 2016-18

"The journey is a personal one. Everyone in my group passed their exam first time. I was working in placements with students from other courses who were not as fortunate.

I will be forever grateful to Sharon and Debbie. The course changes values and beliefs. It changes relationships. It changes perspectives. I for one am far more open to the world, far more forgiving and far more accepting. The core conditions are now part of who I am.

On top of this life changing experience, I have gained a family. The bond our group formed along the way, is one that will never be forgotten. Peers are a key element to this course. Nowhere else will you ever experience such unconditional positive regard!"

R. Tomassi-Bella 2016-18 

"I really liked the interactive piece of work based on concepts of self - Phenomenological self, Self actualising etc. Brilliant!

Returning marked work promptly - a joy."

K. Checkley 2015-17

"Thank you so much for being with me on my journey - personal and learning. I have loved having you as my tutors - professional and a credit to the counselling profession. What role models!"

B. Armstrong 2014-16